From Charlotte to Charlottesville

As previously mentioned, in the past two weeks, I have been on seven college campuses. Of those seven, it was my first visit ever to two of them.  (I just typed "tu-tu". I laughed. I am a nerd of epic proportions.) Of those two, one is of particular note. I have always wanted to visit the University of Virginia. Something about the Thomas Jefferson-Frances Eppes connection that I just find irresistible. (Again, nerd of epic proportions.)

#13 of 20: Visit UVA

I couldn't leave without snagging a pic of Tom Kat. I just couldn't let Julia down.

Oh, did I mention that I went with 52 college women. Well, I did. It was fun. They are fun. My job is fun.

And to boot, I ran into my college roommate on the side of the road in Charlottesville. It was the best surprise of 2010 by far. It was her son's first FSU game. He enjoyed every minute......

And the weather was delightful. It really was. I am such a sucker for good weather.

By the numbers

This is what the last 2 weeks have looked like for me...


Airplanes that I have been on: 10
Flights that have been delayed: 8
Times upgraded: 1
Times running through the airport in heels: 3
Times in Hartsfield Jackson: 3
Times in Charlotte Douglass: 4
Desk agents that complimented the aforementioned heels: 3
Cars rented: 2
Cars rented without a vanity mirror (which IMO is just stupid): 1
Nights I have spent in a hotel: 10
Hotel beds I have slept in: 5
College campuses visited: 7
Days in my office: 1
Times I had dinner with Nelly: 0
College roommates that I ran into unexpectedly in Charlottesville: 1
Times I went to Panera: 5
Hours spent on a bus: 13
Women on said bus: 54
Aspirin taken: 4


I need a nap.

Peppermint oil is my jam.

After having major surgery a mole removed this week, I decided that I needed a reward. Ok, so maybe my definition of major surgery is different from yours. But when a doctor puts a scalpel to your face and you handle it like a big girl, you deserve a treat.  Really, just  knowing that you will have a bandage on your FACE for a few weeks means you deserve a treat. So, Emily and I found ourselves at Aveda were we experienced....

#12 of 20:  A Massage.

That's right. I have never had a massage. I mean, I have had the friend rub your shoulders massage or the lady at the nail salon rubbing your feet massage. But, never have I had the whole lay on a table, breathe in the aromatic aromas, hour long, tour of bliss massage. Heaven, people. Absolute heaven. This may become a habit.

(Sorry Eva, I went with out you- but I will go again! Promise.)

I had nothing* to do with the making of this video.

How not to intercede from fbctlh on Vimeo.

*I may have had a little to do with it.

Something about a Rogue Sociologist

Every year August kicks me in the tail. Like some crazy whirlwind and I am left not knowing who I am or where I am. This year was no exception. Yet in the midst of the chaos, I received some fun news. Brace yourself for this people, it legitimizes me in my profession and, more importantly, it made the list.

#11 of 20: Got published.

Bam! Just like that, I am an author.  My high school English teacher is beyond proud. (I know this for a fact. She commented on my facebook status about it.)

Now before you start asking when the book signing at Borders will be, I must stop you. I wrote a lovely little book review of, well, a book that appeared in a professional journal. So, if you want to see my glorified book report on Gang Leader for a Day, grab your nearest copy of The Journal of College Orientation and Transition. And if you are looking for an interesting read, go grab yourself a copy of Sudhir Venkatesh's little treatise on gang life. 

Running out of time.

Someone buy me a new life.... *

Instead of blogging last week, I was...

Killing ants in my kitchen.

Watching water flow into my yard, compliments of a busted pipe, compliments of Brian.

Living without water in my house for 15 hours, compliments of Matthew.

Calling the City of Tallahassee.

Calling a plumber.

Throwing away an insane amount of dead yellow flowers, compliments of a wedding.

Killing ants in a bedroom.

Killing ants in the kitchen.

Afraid to go in the yard, compliments of the 3 foot snake.

Killing ants in another bedroom.

This is what I get for turning down the opportunity to live in a fancy schmancy guest house with stainless steel things and a pool and batting cages in a gated community. The kind of gated community that might cause Bravo to consider filming the Real Housewives of Tallahassee.

But, no, here I am. Keeping it real.

*Don't worry, I am actually completely satisfied with my life. But if you are interested, you could buy me some new fall boots.